Relackout

Relackout vs Resolume Arena

Resolume Arena is an audiovisual performance and media-server application with projection mapping, edge blending and Art-Net pixel output. Its workflow centers on clips, layers and live visual mixing.

Feature comparison

Arena is €799 for one computer in the official shop. The license includes 12 months of updates; the last eligible version keeps working afterward, with optional renewal for further updates. The unlimited-duration demo overlays a video watermark and adds a robot voice to audio. [1]

Feature Relackout Resolume Arena
DMX output & fixtures
Art-Net output
Supported

Choose which universes are broadcast
Supported

Pixel colors and brightness sent through Art-Net

[2]
sACN (E1.31) output
Supported

Built in
Not supported

Official DMX output supports Art-Net-based devices only

[2]
USB DMX interfaces
Supported

ENTTEC Open DMX USB and compatibles, several at once, one universe each
Not supported

Direct USB-DMX support removed in Arena 6 and later

[2]
Fixture library & custom fixtures
Supported

Open Fixture Library import plus your own fixtures
Supported

Fixture presets and a custom Fixture Editor

[2]
Smart Wi-Fi lights as fixtures
Coming soon

Tuya smart lights
Unverified

Direct consumer smart-light integration not verified
Programming
Scenes / looks
Supported

Fade in/out per scene, layered playback
Supported

Still clips and columns recall looks with transitions

[3]
Cue lists / chases
Supported

Loop, one-shot and manual GO modes with per-step fade and delay
Supported

Autopilot sequences, clip transitions and manual column advance

[3] [4] [12]
Effects engine
Supported

Effect wizard with beat-locked timing
Supported

Generative visuals and parameter animation feed mapped lighting

[5] [15]
Show timeline with audio
Supported

Scenes and cues programmed on the song's waveform
Unverified

Lighting-event arrangement against a music waveform not verified
3D stage preview
Supported

Live 3D stage view in a separate window
Unverified

Built-in 3D fixture-rig simulation not verified
Show & production notes
Supported

Multi-page notes per show
Partial

Notes panel; multiple production-note pages not established

[6]
Audio & music
Music playback & playlists
Supported

Music library, playlists and master audio in the same app
Supported

Audio clips with Autopilot sequencing

[3] [4]
Sound-reactive lighting
Supported

From the music playing or a mic/line-in, with presets
Supported

Internal audio and external-input FFT drive parameters

[5]
BPM, tap tempo & MIDI clock
Supported

Tap, presets, manual entry and MIDI clock
Supported

Tap tempo, manual BPM, MIDI clock and Ableton Link

[7]
Cues & fades follow live tempo
Supported

BPM Mode scales cue timing and scene fades
Partial

Beat-based Autopilot; transition fade scaling not verified

[4] [5] [7]
Live control
Custom touch mixer designer
Supported

Design your own faders and buttons
Partial

Rearrange existing panels; arbitrary control-surface design not established

[8]
Phone/tablet remote
Supported

Any browser on the local network, PIN protected, no app to install
Partial

Built-in web server offers browser examples and custom clients

[9]
MIDI control & feedback
Supported

Learnable mappings plus LED feedback
Supported

MIDI mapping with per-device feedback

[10]
OSC control
Supported

Built-in OSC server
Supported

OSC input and output

[11]
Guided first-show setup
Supported

Step-by-step from patch to live
Unverified

In-app first-show wizard not verified
Venues & workspaces
Separate setups per venue
Supported

Workspaces: own patch, scenes, cues, mixers per venue
Partial

Composition files and separate output configuration

[12] [13]
Copy between setups
Supported

Copy wizard with patch mapping
Unverified

Cross-show fixture mapping not verified
Output settings per venue
Supported

Art-Net, sACN, USB DMX, OSC, MIDI feedback and remote per workspace
Partial

Advanced output and controller settings are separate from compositions

[13]
Export & move a setup
Supported

Single-file workspace export/import
Partial

Collect Media gathers folders; other setup files remain separate

[13]
Platform & licensing
macOS
Supported

Apple Silicon and Intel
Supported

macOS including Apple Silicon

[14]
Windows
Supported

Windows 10/11
Supported

Windows 10 or later; Windows 11 recommended

[14]
Linux
Supported

x64 and ARM64 (AppImage, .deb)
Not supported

Supported desktop platforms are Windows and macOS

[14]
Monthly, yearly or lifetime licence
Supported

All three, you choose
Partial

Perpetual use with optional update renewal; no monthly choice

[1]
Full free trial
Supported

14 days, Standard features, real DMX output
Partial

Unlimited demo has video watermark and audio voice interruption

[1]

Where Relackout leads

  • Send sACN directly and drive supported USB-DMX interfaces without changing to Art-Net hardware.
  • Design a dedicated live control surface with your own faders and buttons.
  • Keep a venue setup in a single exportable Workspace instead of collecting separate media and configuration files.
  • Choose monthly, yearly or lifetime licensing and a 14-day free trial without Arena's audio demo interruption.
  • Run the lighting application on Linux as well as macOS and Windows.

Where Resolume Arena is strong

  • Projection mapping, edge blending and multi-screen video performance are core Arena capabilities.
  • Its clip-and-layer workflow combines video, live inputs and generative visuals with LED pixel output.

Which fits your show?

Club or bar

Both

Arena suits VJ screens and pixel visuals; Relackout suits everyday lighting and music operation.

DJ set

Both

Arena is compelling for live audiovisual performance; Relackout fits a DJ who primarily needs lighting and audio control.

Theatre

Relackout

For small-theatre lighting and audio, Relackout offers a more direct cue workflow; Arena remains useful for projected scenery.

House of worship

Relackout

Relackout suits a lighting-and-audio operator; Arena is a specialist choice for video surfaces and projection.

Events venue

Both

Use Arena for mapped video installations and Relackout for flexible venue lighting setups.

Touring / large rig

Resolume Arena

Arena is better suited to touring projection and LED video systems, commonly alongside a dedicated lighting console.

Switching guide

In Resolume Arena In Relackout
Lumiverses and Fixture Editor Rebuild DMX addresses in Patch & Fixture Setup using Fixture Library or Open Fixture Library imports.
Color clips and column looks Recreate lighting states in Scene Designer.
Autopilot and clip transitions Rebuild lighting sequences, fades and manual advances in Cue lists.
FFT and BPM animation Use Sound-to-Light and Effect Wizard for lighting responses and tempo-based effects.
Audio clips and clip timing Add original songs to Music Library and recreate lighting events in Show Timeline.
MIDI shortcuts and custom panel layouts Rebuild mappings in Live Control and surfaces in Mixer Designer; configure Remote (browser).

What carries over

Fixture addresses, color palettes, cue intentions and original audio assets can guide the lighting rebuild.

What to rebuild

Relackout does not import Arena compositions, video effects or projection maps. Rebuild lighting sequences and control mappings. Import fixture definitions in Open Fixture Library format; retain Arena where video playback or projection mapping is still required.

Frequently asked questions

Can Relackout replace Arena for projection mapping?

No equivalence is claimed. Arena is a specialist audiovisual and projection tool. Relackout targets lighting and audio control, so keep Arena for video surfaces when needed.

Will my USB-DMX interface work with Arena?

Current Arena versions support Art-Net-based output devices rather than direct USB-DMX. Relackout directly supports ENTTEC Open DMX USB and compatible interfaces.

Can I import an Arena composition into Relackout?

No. Rebuild the lighting patch, looks, sequences and mappings. Original audio files can be reused, and Open Fixture Library fixture definitions can be imported.

Sources

Checked on September 25, 2026

  1. Resolume Shop — Arena license and demo terms Checked on September 25, 2026
  2. Resolume Arena — DMX Output Checked on September 25, 2026
  3. Resolume — Clips Checked on September 25, 2026
  4. Resolume — Autopilot Checked on September 25, 2026
  5. Resolume — Parameter Animation Checked on September 25, 2026
  6. Resolume — Notes Panel Checked on September 25, 2026
  7. Resolume — BPM Checked on September 25, 2026
  8. Resolume — Interface Layouts Checked on September 25, 2026
  9. Resolume — REST API & Webserver Checked on September 25, 2026
  10. Resolume — MIDI Shortcuts Checked on September 25, 2026
  11. Resolume — OSC Checked on September 25, 2026
  12. Resolume — Composition Checked on September 25, 2026
  13. Resolume — Media Manager Checked on September 25, 2026
  14. Resolume — Tech Specs Checked on September 25, 2026
  15. Resolume Avenue & Arena — Product Overview Checked on September 25, 2026

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